DKA Aerospace curates carts to address current industry demands
This is a special feature from the April 2026 AIX Hamburg issue of PAX Tech, on page 36.
The ThermalCool insulated cart is designed to keep food safely chilled for longer
DKA Aerospace returns to the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 this month, showcasing three products that address current market demands: The WasteLite waste cart, the ThermalCool insulated cart designed to keep food safely chilled for longer, and a new tracking solution for cart inventory management. This product lineup represents DKA’s commitment to continuous innovation and design based on customer feedback.
Max Choong, R&D Manager, DKA Aerospace
As Max Choong, R&D Manager, DKA Aerospace, tells PAX Tech, “DKA is excited to engage with airlines [at AIX 2026] to gain deeper insights into their expectations and requirements for galley inserts.”
He says DKA is also looking forward to exploring next-generation cabin operations, from lightweight materials to smarter, more efficient solutions, and addressing industry challenges, including decarbonization, cost pressures and certification timelines.
No wasted weight
DKA’s product lineup for 2026 includes showcasing its ThermalCool and WasteLite carts
Through observation, communication and responsive action, DKA Aerospace has gathered customer feedback from last year’s AIX exhibition experience and translated it into meaningful and consistent product improvements that it will display at booth 7B41. One such product is the WasteLite waste cart.
Choong highlights the flexible use of the bin as a key feature. The cart can be used with or without waste bins, giving operators flexibility based on flight length and service model, allowing for easier adaptation to different cabin waste volumes. This also reduces unnecessary weight when full bins are not needed. The cart’s lightweight construction is also a selling point.
“It is designed to be lighter than traditional carts, reducing overall aircraft weight,” Choong tells PAX. “Lower weight directly contributes to fuel savings and operational efficiency.”
The WasteLite cart is easy to maintain and clean thanks to its smooth surfaces and modular components that allow for a less labor-intensive process that minimizes turnaround delays and reduces ground handling effort.
Choong notes that the unique features of WasteLite address the current environmental & ESG pressures facing carriers.
“Airlines are under growing scrutiny to reduce emissions and demonstrate responsible environmental performance,” he explains. “A lighter cart supports lower fuel burn and carbon emissions, helping carriers progress toward sustainability goals.”
Keep it cool
The ThermalCool insulated cart is designed to keep food safely chilled for longer.
“ThermalCool stands out in the market due to a combination of thoughtful design elements that ensure prolonged safe chilling of frozen food without reliance on ice or active cooling systems,” Choong says.
The ThermalCool cart is designed with an interior size and content capacity equivalent to a standard ATLAS Meal Cart, making it a direct functional replacement without sacrificing usability. The cart’s thick, high-efficiency insulated panels significantly reduce heat transfer, helping maintain cold temperatures for extended periods.
According to Choong, components are configured to avoid metal-to-metal contact, minimizing thermal bridgingand equipping the cart with a wide, door seal. This improves the thermal barrier at the most vulnerable access point and reduces warm air infiltration.
“These combined design choices allow the cart to keep frozen food below seven degrees Celsius for up to 24 hours without using dry ice or mechanical refrigeration — a major advantage in logistics, field operations and environments where ice and power are undesirable,” he explains.
A partner in onboard solutions DKA Aerospace positions itself as more than a supplier in the aviation market, but a partner that understands the operational challenges airlines face.
For Choong, customer feedback has played a significant role in shaping the design and continuous improvement of its products.
“Much of the innovation introduced by DKA is driven by the need to help customers overcome operational setbacks, improve performance and remain competitive in the respective markets,” he says. “By understanding real-world usage challenges, DKA refines product features, enhances reliability and introduces improvements that directly address customer pain points.”
To obtain and implement customer feedback consistently, DKA relies on structured processes that include observation, communication, active listening and timely follow-ups.
DKA’s teams gain insight into market gaps through close collaboration with airlines, cabin crew, aircraft manufacturers and maintenance workshops. Choong says listening to real-world operational challenges, understanding regulatory trends and analyzing cabin crew expectations allows the company to identify where current solutions are falling short.
After identifying these gaps, DKA draws its inspiration for delivering solutions from a combination of customer feedback, technological innovation and sustainability goals.
“We combine these insights with design to create products that not only address existing gaps but anticipate future needs—delivering smarter, lighter and more efficient cabin solutions that enhance both airline operations and passenger experience,” he reveals.
